Verse of the Day Devotion: Psalm 133:1
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” – Psalm 133:1
David here is declaring that it is a very good thing that we live together in unity. Throughout history, unity is a pleasant and beautiful thing. That we are in unity with our brothers and sisters brings peace and satisfaction. For through unity we have peace and contentment. It is good in itself, not just bringing about good results. It is pleasing to God and consistent with His will for us. Notice that it is both good and pleasant. Joseph Benson in his commentary on the psalms has the following observation. “Many things are good which are not pleasant, and many pleasant which are not good. But unity among brethren, whether civil or religious, is productive both of profit and pleasure.” I believe we can all think of situations that are either one or the other, but not both. However, it is living together in unity that brings both good and pleasant conditions which is a wonderful way of life.
So, who are the brethren? In the time of David it was Israel, for they were all descendants of Abraham. And I believe that the proselytes, those who were not Abraham’s descendants but became followers of God and the law by denying their former lives along with their gods, are included in this as well. For, in essence they were adopted into Judaism. Today, it is the corporate Church, the Body of Christ. It is all the people of God, all the followers of Christ our Redeemer, for we are all a part of the Body of Christ and have the same Father. We should all be unified in God’s Word. What He has spoken to us, we all should live by, and not attempt to put our own interpretation based on modern culture. Paul appealed to the church in Corinth regarding this. “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Corinthians 1:10. Paul understood that though we may not exactly agree on every subject, but we must strive to present a unified message. We may disagree on some minor points, but we should not allow these differences to create divisions within the body.
And this is accomplished by us loving each other at all times. “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:12-14. Notice the last part. We must all put on love, because love perfectly bonds us together in unity. Lack of love can be a recipe for arguments and division. And there is a very specific reason why this is so important, especially in this modern age.
“I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.” John 17:20-23. Jesus is saying hear that we are to be one in Christ because He and the Father reside in us. And because of this, we, being in unity with them can be in unity with each other. And why is that important? Note the last part of verse 23. “so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.” In essence, so that the world will see our unity and love, and thus believe themselves that this word must be true and accept it. And is that not our calling in this world?
William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.